In the remote and unforgiving waters of Unalaska, Alaska, 33-year-old Steven Allan Mencer, a crew member on the F/V Alaska Mist, vanished on March 19, 2020. The day began like any other for the crew of the 164-foot fishing vessel, which was moored at the Coastal Transportation Northern Dock. However, concern mounted when Mencer, a white male, 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing around 200 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes, failed to appear for the 8:25 a.m. crew check-in.
He had been seen on the vessel just 45 minutes earlier, making his sudden absence deeply unsettling. At the time of his disappearance, he was believed to be wearing a neon green pullover rain jacket, orange, black and blue waterproof pants, a black hoodie, and orange gloves.
The initial belief was that Mencer had fallen overboard into the frigid waters near the docks. This prompted an immediate and extensive search operation coordinated by the U.S. Coast Guard. The master of the Alaska Mist alerted the 17th District Command Center in Juneau at approximately 8:28 a.m., who then broadcasted an urgent marine information bulletin. The search involved a significant deployment of resources, including a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and an HC-130 Hercules airplane from Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak. The Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley was also diverted to join the search, utilizing its helicopter and small boat crews. The crew of the Alaska Mist actively participated in the search efforts as well.
Despite the comprehensive search, which covered 63 square miles over roughly 7.4 hours, no sign of Mencer was found. The challenging conditions, including the cold water temperatures, presented a grim reality, as it was reported that Mencer was not wearing a personal flotation device. The search was suspended at 8:20 p.m. that same day. The Alaska State Troopers are the investigating agency for this open case. This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the inherent dangers faced by those who make their living on the sea. The overview of this case is one of a sudden and unexplained disappearance, a robust but ultimately unsuccessful search, and the lingering uncertainty that haunts the family and friends of Steven Mencer.Last Seen: Mar 19, 2020
